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Purpose: Primary central nervous system post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PCNS-PTLD) is a rare but serious complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in patients with severe β-thalassemia. This study aimed to assess the clinical presentation, pathological characteristics, neuroimaging findings, and treatment strategies in patients with β-thalassemia who developed PCNS-PTLD and to compare a case series from our transplant center to reported cases from literature. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our hospital database and identified four cases of pathologically confirmed PCNS-PTLD without a history of systemic PTLD in patients with severe β-thalassemia after HSCT. We also performed a relevant literature review on PCNS-PTLD. Results: The median time from transplantation to diagnosis of PCNS-PTLD was 5.5 months. Intracerebral lesions were usually multiple involving both supratentorial and infratentorial regions with homogeneous or rim enhancement. All patients had pathologically confirmed PCNS-PTLD with three patients having diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and the fourth patient having plasmacytic hyperplasia. There was low response to treatment with a median survival of 83 days. Conclusion: PCNS-PTLD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with β-thalassemia who had an intracranial lesion on neuroimaging after HSCT. Critical relevance statement: This case series with a comprehensive review of neuroimaging and clinical characteristics of children with primary central nervous system post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder should advance our understanding and improve management of this rare yet severe complication following transplant for β-thalassemia. Key points: • We assessed clinical presentation, treatment strategies, and neuroimaging characteristics of PCNS-PTLD in patients with β-thalassemia after transplantation. • Patients with β-thalassemia may have post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder presenting as brain lesions on neuroimaging. • Neuroimaging findings of the brain lesions are helpful for prompt diagnosis and proper management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, China has focused on the development of sports and adopted modern, scientific, and standardized management of referees. Global sports events are becoming increasingly fierce. One of the main links is to manage the referee group and ensure the fairness and impartiality of sports competitions. In sports competition, referees implement sports rules, so the quality of referees directly determines whether sports events are fair and just. Cheerleading operation was introduced into China as a new sports event and spread rapidly in major universities and primary and secondary schools. With the increase of the number of cheerleading athletes, the number of referees also continues to increase. Referees' information management has become the main problem. Therefore, this paper uses data mining technology to design and develop cheerleading referee information management system, uses the system to manage the basic information of cheerleading referees, and analyzes the sanction ability and strength of cheerleading referees. This paper first introduces the basic concept and operational process of data mining algorithm, and C4.5 decision tree algorithm, and support vector machine algorithm. Based on this algorithm, a cheerleading referee information management system is established. Then, we analyze the system structure and demand analysis and design the main structure of the system. Finally, the number of cheerleading referees is analyzed. The highest proportion of referees is 29.5%, the number of referees is 3 to 5 times, and the highest proportion of referees with more than 10 times per year is 59.24%. Using this system to analyze the strength of cheerleading referees, the most influential factor is the lack of on-the-spot experience, accounting for 38.83%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel Temperature-Humidity-Image (T-H-I) method for defrosting is proposed. • T-H-I control logic is analyzed with fractal theory and image processing technology. • Comparative experiments are conducted between T-T method and T-H-I method. • T-H-I method is proved to be more accurate and effective than T-T method. Temperature-time (T-T) defrosting control strategy is widely used in traditional air-source heat pump (ASHP) units. Its fatal problem that urgently need to be addressed is mal-defrosting, which happens frequently in heating season and causes extra energy loss. In order to accurately control the defrosting time and avoid the mal-defrosting problem, a novel Temperature-Humidity-Image (T-H-I) defrosting control strategy is proposed to improve the defrosting process. With the aid of image processing technology, T-H-I defrosting control strategy applies fractal analysis can accurately and effectively perform defrosting operation. Through the experimental investigation on frost formation characteristics, T-H-I defrosting control strategy operates defrosting when the frost thickness reaches 0.726 mm and the fractal dimension reaches 2.839, while it terminates when the fractal dimension decreases to 2.324. Comparative experiments of ASHP unit with traditional temperature-time (T-T) method and the proposed T-H-I method are conducted. Compared with the traditional T-T method, 'delayed defrosting' and 'unnecessary defrosting' are avoided effectively with the T-H-I defrosting control strategy, and the energy consumption of defrosting can be reduced by 10.6% and 22.3%, respectively. In view of its high accuracy in defrosting and effectiveness in energy saving, the proposed T-H-I method has a promising prospect for future application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapeseed is the dominant feedstock for biodiesel production in Germany; however, significant decline in crop yields observed during the 2018 drought in Europe poses economic and environmental risks for its sustained use as a fuel crop. Many Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies were conducted to quantify the potential environmental impacts of biodiesel production; however, only a few studies have considered the spatial and temporal heterogeneities of the studied regions. Furthermore, previous studies have usually only focused on the greenhouse gas (GHG) savings of biodiesel and have ignored the environmental burden and economic profits of biodiesel production. For the first time, we combined the Regional Environmental LCA model with an economic analysis to evaluate both the environmental impact and the economic benefits of biodiesel production in Central Germany (CG). Our results showed that emissions from rapeseed cultivation were the largest contributor to both global and regional environmental impact categories. In our study region, we found that GHG emissions were around 56%–71% lower for rapeseed‐based biodiesel than for fossil fuels. Due to the drought in 2018, we also observed that the regional rapeseed supply could not meet the demand of biodiesel production in CG. An economic analysis of biodiesel production found significant economies of scale effect in the biodiesel industry. In addition, none of the studied biodiesel plants were able to operate at their designed installed capacities without causing indirect land‐use change. Furthermore, the profitability of biodiesel production was closely related to the feedstock cultivation cost. Based on these findings, we concluded that a regionalized LCA model would be able to more accurately evaluate the environmental influence of biodiesel production by taking site‐specific conditions into consideration. We also suggest that potential biodiesel plant operators take the regional biodiesel production density and feedstock cultivation conditions into account when deciding on plant size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the cross-sectional associations between suprapatellar pouch effusion-synovitis and serum levels of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), high sensitivity C-reaction protein (hs-CRP), knee symptom, and structural changes in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA). Method: A total of 173 subjects were included. The osteophytes, joint space narrowing (JSN), and radiographic severity of OA were determined using X-ray. Cartilage defects, bone marrow lesions (BMLs), and suprapatellar pouch effusion-synovitis were assessed using magnetic resonance imaging. Serum levels of COMP and hs-CRP were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The knee joint symptom was self-reported using visual analogue scale. Results: In this OA cohort, after adjustment for age, sex, and BMI, the presence of pathological effusion-synovitis was associated with serum levels of COMP (β: 30.98, P = 0.018), and suprapatellar pouch effusion-synovitis maximum areas were associated with serum hs-CRP levels. Both suprapatellar pouch effusion-synovitis maximum area and grade were associated with osteophytes and Kellgren-Lawrence scores (ORs: 1.29–1.54, all P < 0.05). In patients with high tertile of hs-CRP, both suprapatellar pouch effusion-synovitis maximum area and grade were associated with cartilage defects at lateral and medial tibiofemoral sites (ORs: 3.01–8.41, all P < 0.05) after adjustment for covariates. In female patients, the significant associations were present between suprapatellar pouch effusion-synovitis and medial tibiofemoral BMLs (ORs: 1.43–1.53, all P < 0.05) after adjustment for covariates. Conclusions: Suprapatellar pouch effusion-synovitis was associated with serum levels of COMP as well as hs-CRP and knee structural abnormalities in patients with knee OA. These suggested that effusion-synovitis may play a role in knee OA. Key Points • Suprapatellar pouch effusion-synovitis is associated with serum levels of COMP in patients with knee OA. • Suprapatellar pouch effusion-synovitis is associated with cartilage defects in knee OA patients with high systemic inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Helicobacter pylori infection is a common chronic infection worldwide. At the same time, the incidence of colorectal adenomatous polyps is also at high levels. In order to assess the relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and the occurrence of colorectal adenomatous polyps, we observed 166 patients who had undergone an electronic colonoscopy and 13C urea breath test in the outpatient clinic. Method. A total of 166 (87 males and 79 females, aged 53.85 ± 9.18 years) patients who had colonoscopy examination and 13C urea breath test were divided into a Helicobacter pylori-positive group (n = 68) and Helicobacter pylori-negative group (n = 98) by the 13C urea breath test. At the same time, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting blood sugar were measured and the occurrence of hypertension was counted. Results. Patients with Helicobacter pylori infection had higher incidence of colorectal adenomatous polyps and multiple colorectal adenomatous polyps, higher levels of total cholesterol and fasting glucose, and more males (P < 0.05 , P < 0.01). It was found that Helicobacter pylori infection (P < 0.05 , OR 2.383) was significantly associated with the risk of colorectal adenomatous polyps by binary logistic regression analysis. Conclusions. Patients with Helicobacter pylori infection had higher incidence of colorectal adenomatous polyps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal quenching of photoluminescence represents a significant obstacle to practical applications such as lighting, display, and photovoltaics. Herein, a novel strategy is established to enhance upconversion luminescence at elevated temperatures based on the use of negative thermal expansion host materials. Lanthanide‐doped orthorhombic Yb2W3O12 crystals are synthesized and characterized by in situ X‐ray diffraction and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The thermally induced contraction and distortion of the host lattice is demonstrated to enhance the collection of excitation energy by activator ions. When the temperature is increased from 303 to 573 K, a 29‐fold enhancement of green upconversion luminescence in Er3+ activators is achieved. Moreover, the temperature dependence of the upconversion luminescence is reversible. The thermally enhanced upconversion is developed as a sensitive ratiometric thermometer by referring to a thermally quenched upconversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal quenching of photoluminescence represents a significant obstacle to practical applications such as lighting, display, and photovoltaics. Herein, a novel strategy is established to enhance upconversion luminescence at elevated temperatures based on the use of negative thermal expansion host materials. Lanthanide‐doped orthorhombic Yb2W3O12 crystals are synthesized and characterized by in situ X‐ray diffraction and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The thermally induced contraction and distortion of the host lattice is demonstrated to enhance the collection of excitation energy by activator ions. When the temperature is increased from 303 to 573 K, a 29‐fold enhancement of green upconversion luminescence in Er3+ activators is achieved. Moreover, the temperature dependence of the upconversion luminescence is reversible. The thermally enhanced upconversion is developed as a sensitive ratiometric thermometer by referring to a thermally quenched upconversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of exponential synchronization for neutral-type neural network with stochastic perturbation and Markovian switching parameters is considered in this article. Based on Lyapunov functional method and the theory of stochastic process, the exponential synchronism of the neural network is analyzed. By designing an adaptive state feedback controller, the exponential synchronization criterion of the neural network is obtained which can be represented as linear matrix inequality. Furthermore, the update rule for the adaptive controller is obtained. Finally, a simulation example is proposed to explain the availability of the results and method obtained in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The role of weeds in soil conservation in agroforestry systems has been largely ignored. We used the Land Use Change Impact Assessment (LUCIA) model to simulate the effects of weed management on erosion in rubber plantations (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg). In order to quantify the impact of a dynamic, spatially explicit multi-layer plantation structure on erosion processes in agroforestry systems, we updated LUCIA's erosion module. Its new version simulates soil detachment due to rainfall and runoff, considering the separate effects of the tree canopy and surface cover on soil erosion. The updated LUCIA model was calibrated and validated based on an established rubber plantation experiment in Xishuangbanna, Southwest China, to evaluate the impact of different weeding strategies on soil loss. The model successfully represented the impact of the dynamic multi-layer structure on erosion and was able to predict well the effects of weed management on soil loss and runoff at the test site over 1 year, with a modelling efficiency (EF) of 0.5–0.96 and R2 of 0.64–0.92. Subsequently, we validated the ability of the model to simulate surface cover changes under rubber plantations of different age (up to 40 years). Simulation outputs for 4-, 12- and 18-year-old rubber plantations revealed satisfying to good results. However, the predicted change in surface cover for old rubber plantations (25- and 36-year) failed to meet the field trends. The model predicted the greatest erosion in the year when the rubber canopy started to close. During this period, weed growth was limited by light, while litter input from rubber was insufficient to provide good soil cover. Four weeding strategies ("clean-weeding", "twice-weeding", "once-weeding" and "no-weeding") were designed for scenario simulations. Based on the results of 20-year runs, we concluded that "once-weeding" and "no-weeding" both efficiently minimized soil loss during one rotation length. A high degree of surface and weed cover (over 95% and 60%) under "no-weeding" makes this management strategy with dense undergrowth hardly acceptable by local farmers due to reduced tree accessibility for tapping and increased potential danger through poisonous caterpillars. "Once-weeding", on the other hand, controlled overgrowth of understory vegetation by keeping weed cover below 50%. We therefore suggest "once-weeding" as an improved herbicide management strategy in rubber plantations, to meet ecological system service maintenance and to facilitate adoption in practice. Highlights • Forty-year erosion modelling in rubber plantations explains the effect of weeding. • A splash process is incorporated into erosion simulation in rubber plantations. • The updated model includes a multi-layer structure in agroforestry systems. • One herbicide application per year is recommended as a soil conservation measure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: ZIF‐8 nanoribbons, with tunable morphology and pore structure, were synthesized by using the tri‐block co‐polymer Pluronic F127 as a soft template. The as‐synthesized ZIF‐8 nanoribbons were converted into carbon nanoribbons by thermal transformation with largely preserved morphology and porosity. The resulting carbon nanoribbons feature both micro‐ and meso‐pores with high surface areas of over 1000 m2 g−1. In addition, nitrogen‐doping in the carbon nanoribbons was achieved, as confirmed by XPS and EELS measurements. The hybrid carbon nanoribbons provide pseudo‐capacitance that promotes electrochemical performance, rendering a high specific capacitance of up to 297 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1 in a three‐electrode system. A long cycle life was also demonstrated by recording a 90.26 % preservation of capacitance after 10 000 cycles of charge–discharge at a current density of 4.0 A g−1. Furthermore, a symmetrical supercapacitor is fabricated by employing the carbon nanoribbons, which shows good electrochemical performance with respect to energy, power and cycle life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy (RE) sources are important alternatives to mitigate the energy crisis and achieve sustainable development. Appropriate selection of RE system solutions is extremely crucial. Selection of the best RE technology requires the consideration of conflicting qualitative and quantitative evaluation criteria. Many evaluation criteria are judged with subjectivity and uncertainty. However, the description of uncertainty in the evaluation process remains a large research gap. Therefore, a novel combined evaluation method is developed to describe and visualize the uncertainty in the assessment process. The proposed evaluation method is tested for RE heating system selection. The RE systems are evaluated based on five dimensions and 15 evaluation indicators. This multidimensional indicator framework not only includes the three basic evaluation groups of energy, economy, and environment, but also extends to the performance of technology and policy. The combined weights of the evaluation indicators consist of objective weights and subjective weights. The objective weights are obtained by the Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC) method and subjective weights are calculated by the improved Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP). The set pair analysis (SPA) is introduced to assess the performance of different RE systems. It considers the uncertainty of indicator performance. A novel approach to visualizing the fuzziness of SPA evaluation is developed using the cloud model. Finally, the RE system ranking calculated by the proposed method is performed. The originality of this work is offering a promising method for RE selection and clarifying the degree of ambiguity in the evaluation process. It helps decision makers have an exact idea about the accuracy of the evaluation. It provides insights into multi-objective decision-making problems. • A multidimensional evaluation framework for renewable heating systems is proposed. • The integrated weights of the criteria are obtained by the CRITIC and FAHP method. • The ranking of the renewable heating systems is obtained by set pair analysis. • Uncertainties in the evaluation process are described and visualized by cloud model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reflecting on the sharp contradictions between energy and environmental concerns, nowadays, a critical theme is to strengthen the role of renewables for heating. The majority of current renewable energy (RE) studies are for power generation, research at the macro level, with subjective evaluation methods. Aimed at filling the niche, this paper proposes an integrated approach involving the investigation of renewable energy (solar, geothermal and biomass) heating potentials, the evaluation of suitability at the county level, and the guidance of targeted policies. Accordingly, the factor analysis, an objective statistical analysis method, is employed to concentrate information and score appropriateness based on the county development level, population quality, government support and renewable resource potentials. Subsequently, the comprehensive scores for counties are categorized into four classes by self-organizing maps. In this study, a novel approach for evaluating the RE heating potentials and identifying the constraints of RE development is proposed. The heating demand and the potentials of renewables are determined on a detailed and precise scale at the county level, and the heating supply-demand is mapped with symbol sizes. Finally, specific recommendations for renewables energy development are put forward from a local planning perspective. The application of this systematic approach, which can be broadly exported and applied to other regions, will promote a strong commitment to renewable energy and significantly accelerate the transition to a clean energy supply. • Evaluate the suitability of renewable energy heating at a detailed scale. • Integrated renewable energy suitability scores are derived by the factor analysis. • The development indicators are categorized into four classes by the SOM method. • Regional development characteristics are identified by the extracted factors. • Targeted renewable energy development policies are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Chloride diffusion behavior associated with combined cations is studied. • Effect of combined cations on the chloride diffusion behavior is proved. • Effect of single cation and combined cations on chloride diffusion results are quantitatively compared. • Four important factors influencing the chloride diffusion are analyzed. The effect of combined cations in diffusion source solutions on chloride diffusion behavior in concrete is unknown, and present research on the effect of combined cations on chloride diffusion behavior in concrete is insufficient. This paper uses natural diffusion experiment as research condition, and uses the concrete with water-binder ratio of 0.5 as research object to study the effect of chemical valence and combination relationship of cations in combined cations diffusion source solutions on chloride diffusion behavior in concrete. The results reveal that the higher the chemical valence of cations, the faster the chloride diffusion rate. When the combination relationship changes, cations with the same chemical valence have little effect on the chloride diffusion process; cations with different chemical valence have obvious effects on the chloride diffusion process. The higher the concentration of divalent cations in solutions, the lower the water-soluble chloride concentration, and the higher the acid-soluble chloride concentration. Divalent cation is favorable to the formation of Friedel's salt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article has been withdrawn at the request of the Editors-in-Chief. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at (https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies/article-withdrawal). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In insects, glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are enzymes involved in detoxification of insecticides. However, few data are available for the codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.). In this study, we cloned a delta class GST gene CpGSTd1 from C. pomonella. Real-time quantitative PCR shows that CpGSTd1 was up-regulated with aging, and the mRNA level of CpGSTd1 was higher in the fat body and silk glands than in other tissues. The expression level of CpGSTd1 exposure to insecticide suggests that CpGSTd1 is up-regulated after chlorpyrifos-methyl and lambda-cyhalothrin treatments. Both lambda-cyhalothrin and chlorpyrifos-methyl altered GST activity in vivo. The purified CpGSTd1 protein exhibits a high catalytic efficiency with CDNB and was inhibited by lambda-cyhalothrin and chlorpyrifos-methyl in vitro. Metabolism assays indicate that lambda-cyhalothrin was significantly metabolized while chlorpyrifos-methyl was not metabolized by CpGSTd1. Binding free energy analysis suggests that CpGSTd1 binding is tighter with lambda-cyhalothrin than with chlorpyrifos-methyl. Our study suggests that CpGSTd1 plays a key role in the metabolism of insecticides in C. pomonella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carboxylesterases (CEs) are enzymes responsible for the detoxification of insecticides in insects. In the Cydia pomonella, CEs are involved in synthetic pyrethroid, neonicotinoid, carbamate, and organophosphate detoxification. However, functional overexpression of CEs proteins in Escherichia coli systems often results in insoluble proteins. In this study, we expressed the fusion protein CpCE-1 in E. coli BL21 (DE3). This recombinant protein was overexpressed as inclusion bodies at 37 °C whereas it produced a higher percentage of soluble protein at lower growth temperatures. Production of soluble proteins and enzyme activity increased in the presence of sorbitol in the growth medium. The fusion protein was purified from the lysate supernatant using a Ni-NTA agarose gel column. The enzyme exhibited a higher affinity and substrate specificity for α-naphthyl acetate (α-NA), with k/ K of 100 s μM for α-NA, and the value is 29.78 s μM for β-naphthyl acetate. The V and K were also determined to be 12.9 μmol/min/mg protein and 13.4 μM using substrate α-NA. The optimum pH was 7.0 and temperature was 25 °C. An enzyme inhibition assay shows that PMSF and DEPC strongly inhibit the enzyme activity, while the metal ions Cu and Mg significantly activated the activity. More importantly, cypermethrin, methomyl, and acephate were found to suppress enzyme activity. The data demonstrated here provide information for heterologous expression of soluble protein and further study on insecticide metabolism in C. pomonella in vitro. This is the first report of the characterization of CEs protein from C. pomonella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carboxylesterases (CEs) are enzymes responsible for the detoxification of insecticides in insects. In the Cydia pomonella, CEs are involved in synthetic pyrethroid, neonicotinoid, carbamate, and organophosphate detoxification. However, functional overexpression of CEs proteins in Escherichia coli systems often results in insoluble proteins. In this study, we expressed the fusion protein CpCE-1 in E. coli BL21 (DE3). This recombinant protein was overexpressed as inclusion bodies at 37 °C whereas it produced a higher percentage of soluble protein at lower growth temperatures. Production of soluble proteins and enzyme activity increased in the presence of sorbitol in the growth medium. The fusion protein was purified from the lysate supernatant using a Ni 2+-NTA agarose gel column. The enzyme exhibited a higher affinity and substrate specificity for α-naphthyl acetate (α-NA), with kcat/ Km of 100 s −1 μM −1 for α-NA, and the value is 29.78 s −1 μM −1 for β-naphthyl acetate. The Vmax and Km were also determined to be 12.9 μmol/min/mg protein and 13.4 μM using substrate α-NA. The optimum pH was 7.0 and temperature was 25 °C. An enzyme inhibition assay shows that PMSF and DEPC strongly inhibit the enzyme activity, while the metal ions Cu 2+ and Mg 2+ significantly activated the activity. More importantly, cypermethrin, methomyl, and acephate were found to suppress enzyme activity. The data demonstrated here provide information for heterologous expression of soluble protein and further study on insecticide metabolism in C. pomonella in vitro. This is the first report of the characterization of CEs protein from C. pomonella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Connections to world markets facilitate local markets developments to support more efficient capital allocation and greater investment and growth opportunities. Under the framework of cross-market rebalancing theory, in this study, we aim to systematically examine the market connections among world financial, energy, renewable energy and European carbon markets by measuring the return spillovers from 2008 to 2021. We find that the renewable energy market is more closely connected to the world financial and energy markets in the sense of the return transmission, while the carbon market is less connected to them. However, due to improved market regulations and determinations related to fighting climate change, the connections between the carbon market and other markets have gradually intensified. Plotting the return spillover indexes, we observe that strong return spillovers from the renewable energy market to other markets occurred when large investment plans were announced. Regarding the carbon market, regulation changes introduced by the EU Commission to improve and stabilize market environment induced intensified return transmission from carbon market to other markets. Another interesting finding is that the highly intensified return transmission among markets due to the COVID-19 crisis started to loosen when COVAX published the first interim distribution forecast on 3 February 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oriental armyworm Mythimna separata (Walker) is a worldwide migratory pest that threatens food security in China. Previous studies have clarified the general migration regularity of M. separata in East Asia, but knowledge of migration routes over northeast China, especially in autumn as well as the impact by climate change in recent years, is still limited. From 2017 to 2020, we monitored the migration of M. separata in northeast China by searchlight traps and simulated moth trajectories by the HYSPLIT model. The M. separata moths had three main migration periods in northeast China, and there were obvious seasonal differences at different latitudes. The spring and summer migrants (late May to early-mid June and late July to early August) came from the southern Shandong Province and migrated to the north via Hebei/Shandong-Liaoning-Jilin-Heilongjiang. Moreover, more than half of the autumn trapped insects from late August to mid-late September migrated in the provinces where the sites are located, southward via Heilongjiang-Jilin-Liaoning. These results clarified the migration route of M. separata in northeast China and their relationship with the insect source in north China, thereby providing a theoretical basis for regional monitoring, early warning, and management of the pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A micropolar peridynamics model with non-uniform horizon is proposed. • A prescribed value λ is used for indicating the nonlocal enhancements. • A novel failure criterion based on strain energy density is proposed. • λ has weak influences on the stiffness of the structure. • A linear relationship between λ and strength is found. Peridynamic models typically adopt regular point distributions and uniform horizons, limiting their flexibility and engineering applicability. In this work, a micropolar peridynamics approach with a non-uniform horizon (NHPD) is proposed. This approach is implemented in a conventional finite element framework using element-based discretization. Through modification of the dual-horizon approach in the preprocessing step, a point-dependent horizon and non-uniform beam-like bonds are built. By a domain correction strategy, the equivalence of the strain energy density is assured. Then, a novel energy–density-based failure criterion that directly relates the critical stretch to the mechanical strength is presented. The numerical results indicate the weak mesh dependency of NHPD and the effectiveness of the new failure criterion for Brazilian disk tests. Moreover, damage to solids with different nonlocal effects is shown to yield similar results through adjustment of only the mechanical strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The effects of diffuse solar radiation on indoor thermal comfort are studied. • CPMV is found to deviate from TSV at high diffuse solar radiation intensity. • CPMV* is proposed to assess thermal comfort under direct and diffuse solar radiation. • CPMV* is verified to be consistent with TSV through field experiments. • Thermal acceptability in solar conditions is analyzed and compared with Fanger's PPD. With the wide application of curtain walls in modern buildings, the effect of solar radiation on indoor thermal comfort becomes significant. To assess the thermal comfort under solar conditions, the corrected predicted mean vote (CPMV) was proposed due to the neglect of solar radiation in the predicted mean vote (PMV) developed by Fanger. However, CPMV only considers direct solar radiation and ignores diffuse solar radiation. Therefore, the effects of diffuse solar radiation on thermal comfort are studied in this research, and field experiments are conducted in transparent envelope buildings. 916 thermal responses are collected in summer. The results reveal that CPMV deviates from the thermal sensation vote (TSV) at high diffuse solar radiation. Then the CPMV* is proposed to consider both direct and diffuse solar radiation, and it is validated to be accurate in quantitatively predicting the thermal sensation under global solar radiation. The thermal acceptability in solar conditions is obtained through questionnaire. The results of thermal unacceptability are different from the predicted percentage dissatisfied (PPD) developed by Fanger. The minimum percentage of dissatisfaction is 12% instead of 5% based on Fanger's PPD, and occurs at the CPMV* of −0.34 other than 0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular targets play important roles in agrochemical discovery. Numerous pesticides target the key proteins in pathogens, insect, or plants. Investigating ligand-binding pockets and/or active sites in the proteins' structures is usually the first step in designing new green pesticides. Thus, molecular target structures are extremely important for the discovery and development of such pesticides. In this manuscript, we present a review of the molecular target structures, including those of antiviral, fungicidal, bactericidal, insecticidal, herbicidal, and plant growth-regulator targets, currently used in agrochemical research. The data will be helpful in pesticide design and the discovery of new green pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ovarian cancer typically is diagnosed late because insensitivity and lack of specificity of current biomarkers prior to its clinical detection. Ribosomal protein S6 (RPS6) is a ribosomal protein involved in the ribosomal 40S subunit, but its biological role in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is still unknown. Results: RPS6 was elevated in EOC compared to normal ovarian tissues and adenomas. Higher expression of RPS6 predicted worse prognosis in EOC. The level of RPS6 was correlated with clinical stage, histological type and pathological grade. Knockdown of RPS6 reduced the proliferation of ovarian cancer cell lines SKOV-3 and HO8910, and inhibit the migration and invasion ability. It revealed that cells arrested at G0G1 phase after knockdown of RPS6, and the expressions of CyclinD1, Cyclin E, CDK2, CDK4, CDK6 and pRb were also reduced. Conclusions: RPS6 is involved in EOC and knockdown of RPS6 could inhibit the proliferation, invasion and migration ability of EOC in vitro by inducing G0/G1 phase arrest. RPS6 is expected to be a novel biomarker and molecular target to the EOC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The weak interactions in ion pairs of acetate anion-based ionic liquids (ILs) were investigated by dispersion-corrected density functional theory (DFT) calculations, where the structural parameters and vibrational frequency changes of ion pairs and isolated ions were systematically analyzed. Four kinds of stable configurations for ILs 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([Emim][OAc]) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([Bmim][OAc]) were determined by calculating the interaction energies of different ion pairs. The essence of weak interactions between ion pairs was qualitatively and quantitatively characterized by the electrostatic potential (ESP) of anions and cations, natural bond orbital (NBO), atoms in molecules (AIM), and Generalized Kohn-Sham energy decomposition analysis (GKS-EDA). The results indicated that the red-shifted hydrogen bond (H-bond) of C1-H2⋯O contributed the most to the stability of ion pairs. For the different stable ion pairs, the H-bond interactions formed by acetate anion ([OAc]−) with H protons on the imidazolium ring and side chain were separately divided into medium and weak H-bond, showing partly covalent and noncovalent nature. GKS-EDA results revealed that the interactions of ion pairs were mainly electrostatic dominant, charge transfer and orbital overlap contributions were also significant, which were in accordance with the ESP, NBO, and AIM analyses results. Hopefully, this study could offer an insight into weak interactions principle of ILs and provide a theoretical basis for predicting their physicochemical properties. • The four stable structures of [Emim][OAc] and [Bmim][OAc] were clarified. • Geometrical, energetical, ESP, AIM, NBO, and GKE-EDA analyses were done. • The nature of weak interactions was qualitatively and quantitatively characterized. • The red-shifted H-bond contributed the most to the stability of ion pairs. • The liner relationships between G BCP and Δ ν , Δ δ of C1-H2⋯O were found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed lanthanide metal–organic framework (LnMOF) films are directly grown on a quartz substrate through a wet chemical synthesis. Thermometric properties of the LnMOF films originating from temperature dependent emission intensity ratio of Tb/Eu are systematically investigated in the 298–383 K range. At an optimized Tb/Eu concentration ratio of 98.0:2.0, the ratiometric thermometer registers a high relative sensitivity of 16.14% K−1 at 359 K. As the temperature increases from 298 to 383 K, the LnMOF film thermometer also displays a distinct change in emission color from green to red, corresponding to a shift in Commission International de l'Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates from (0.3882, 0.5271) to (0.5459, 0.4037). The colorimetric property of the LnMOF film thermometer is exploited for real‐time temperature mapping with a high sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the great increase in installation, photovoltaics will develop as the main power supply source for the world shortly. However, the actual power generation and lifetime of photovoltaics are greatly compromised by the high working temperature under outdoor operation. In this review, the recent advances of four promising passive photovoltaic cooling methods are summarized with the aim to uncover their working principles, cooling performance, and application potential in photovoltaic devices. For radiative cooling, light management strategies with ultraviolet‐photon downshift and sub‐bandgap reflection are discussed in detail to reveal their great potential in reducing photovoltaic working temperature and enhancing power generation. Subsequently, the great cooling benefits of passive evaporative cooling are underlined in terms of its superior cooling power and temperature drop of photovoltaic devices. Moreover, the promising integrated cooling strategy is further highlighted due to its great potential in enhancing electricity production and fresh water supply. Most crucially, the remaining challenges and the authors'r insights are presented to advance the commercial applications of passive cooling methods in photovoltaics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fundamental issue of mean eddy shape at the sea surface has been simplified as axially symmetric for a long time. This assumption is worth of a reexamination following significant advances in precise tracking of individual eddies, thanks to the recent availability of merged altimeter data with a grid resolution of 1/4° × 1/4° and a time interval of one day. Based on an orientationally aligned average of the effective boundaries of nearly 2.6 million individual eddies available to date, a characteristic shape of a "standard" eddy has been derived, which is found to be a very good approximation to a mathematical ellipsoid with a semimajor axis of a = 87.0 km, and a semiminor axis of b = 54.0 km. The oval nature of oceanic eddies appears to be universal in a climatological sense, but the best-fit ellipse varies with space and time. Statistically, the eddy ellipse has two preferred angles for its major axis: a primary angle of 104°/284° (nearly north-south) and a secondary angle of 171°/351° (nearly east-west). The intrinsic geometric asymmetry in eddy shape and orientation is believed to be one of the fundamental reasons behind the previously observed geophysical anisotropy in eddy properties. Future integrated analysis in an eddy-centric coordinate system with an ellipse geometry may open a new window into nonlinear mesoscale oceanography in terms of eddy kinetics and eddy dynamics. • The common eddy shape has been oversimplified as axially symmetric for a long time. • A characteristic shape of oceanic eddies has been derived as a well-defined ellipse. • The intrinsic oval shape leads to geophysical anisotropy in eddy properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of perineural invasion (PNI) on the prognosis of patients with early cervical cancer (stages IA2-IIA2). A retrospective analysis was conducted on 406 patients with early cervical cancer who underwent a radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy between January 2007 and December 2014 at the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University (Wuxi, China). The clinicopathological data of the patients were obtained and follow-up assessments were performed. A statistical analysis of the association between PNI and each index was performed, and the effect of PNI and the clinicopathological parameters on the prognosis of the patients was evaluated. Among the 406 cases with early cervical cancer, 41 cases were lost, with a follow-up rate of 89.90%. Overall, 43 PNI-positive patients were observed, with an occurrence rate of 10.59%. PNI-positivity was associated with hypertension, lymph node metastasis, depth of cervical invasion, surgical margin and vascular invasion (P<0.05), but it was not associated with age, diabetes, clinical stage, histological type or tumor size (P>0.05). The overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) times of PNI-positive patients were significantly lower compared with those of PNI-negative patients. A multivariate regression analysis revealed that age, tumor size, clinical stage and PNI were independent risk factors for OS and DFS times. PNI is a poor prognostic factor for patients with early cervical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), is an invasive agricultural pest species of pome fruits and walnuts that has developed resistance to many insecticides. Alternative eco-friendly approaches are warranted to reduce the dependence on insecticides for the sustainable management of C. pomonella. The sterile insect technique (SIT) is an autocidal strategy of control that is being trialed in experiments against various pests and that could reduce the risk of the development of insecticide resistance. In our previous study, we found that 366 Gy X-ray irradiation can effectively make the C. pomonella male sterile. In this study, we report on the investigation of the effect of X-ray irradiation on the fitness and adaptability of sterile insects, as well as the first pilot release of sterile male adults of C. pomonella in orchards in China. Results show that 366 Gy of X-ray irradiation significantly shortened the lifespan of the sterile male moths, reduced the mating competitiveness of males, and resulted in males being sterile in the orchards. The codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), is an invasive agricultural pest of pome fruits and walnuts in China that threatens the apple industry in the Loess Plateau and Bohai Bay; it has developed resistance to many insecticides. Sterile insect technique (SIT) combined with area-wide integrated pest management (AW-IPM) can reduce the risk of resistance to insecticides and effectively control some insect pest species. Our previous laboratory experiment found that irradiation with 366 Gy of X-ray caused the males of the codling moth to become sterile. However, the sterility and adaptability of males after being irradiated with 366 Gy X-ray in the field are still unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of X-ray irradiation on the fitness of male adults that emerged from pupae irradiated with 366 Gy to explore their adaptability and mating competitiveness, and to examine the effect of releasing sterile male insects in orchards in northeast China on the fruit infestation rate of the Nanguo pear. The results showed that 366 Gy of X-ray irradiation significantly reduced the mating competitiveness of males and the hatching rate of the eggs laid by females pairing with sterile males. Meanwhile, the lifespan of the sterile male moths was significantly shorter than that of the normal ones in the field. A pilot test showed that the release twice of sterile male moths in the orchards had no significant effect on the fruit infestation rate. Our field experiments provide a scientific basis for the further optimization of the SIT technology program for controlling C. pomonella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For high‐resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR), constant false alarm rate (CFAR) detectors are widely used to separate targets from background and it is proved that generalised gamma distribution (GΓD) can model the non‐homogeneous clutter appropriately. However, CFAR detectors based on GΓD possess two problems. First, the methods for solving highly non‐linear equations of GΓD resort to numerical iterative algorithms, which are computationally expensive. To avoid this, the authors present a novel analytic solution for parameter estimation of GΓD by exploiting a third‐order approximation of the polygamma function. This novel analytic solution can result in more accurate parameter estimation and can fit a wider range of the parameters. The second problem is that in a multi‐target SAR image, some target pixels may be classified as clutter pixels. To select pixels of interest, an iterative sliding window approach is often used in CFAR. They analyse the relationship between the detection probability and the number of iterations, and prove that this strategy can reduce the miss rate and false detection rate effectively. On the basis of the aforementioned parameter estimation method and the iterative sliding window approach, an innovative and effective CFAR detector is proposed in this study and its superiority is demonstrated by experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to the article "Effect of Temperature and Sorbitol in Improving the Solubility of Carboxylesterases Protein CpCE-1 From Cydia Pomonella and Biochemical Characterization" by Xueqing Yang and Yalin Zhang, published in the October 2013 issue, is presented.

A correction to the article “Effect of temperature and sorbitol in improving the solubility of carboxylesterases protein CpCE-1 from Cydia pomonella and biochemical characterization” that was published in the October 17, 2013 issue is presented.

Summary: China is the world's second‐largest maize producer and consumer. In recent years, the invasive fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) has adversely affected maize productivity and compromised food security. To mitigate pest‐inflicted food shortages, China's Government issued biosafety certificates for two genetically modified (GM) Bt maize hybrids, Bt‐Cry1Ab DBN9936 and Bt‐Cry1Ab/Cry2Aj Ruifeng 125, in 2019. Here, we quantitatively assess the impact of both Bt maize hybrids on pest feeding damage, crop yield and food safety throughout China's maize belt. Without a need to resort to synthetic insecticides, Bt maize could mitigate lepidopteran pest pressure by 61.9–97.3%, avoid yield loss by 16.4–21.3% (range −11.9–99.2%) and lower mycotoxin contamination by 85.5–95.5% as compared to the prevailing non‐Bt hybrids. Yield loss avoidance varied considerably between experimental sites and years, as mediated by on‐site infestation pressure and pest identity. For either seed mixtures or block refuge arrangements, pest pressure was kept below established thresholds at 90% Bt maize coverage in Yunnan (where S. frugiperda was the dominant species) and 70% Bt maize coverage in other sites dominated by Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée). Drawing on experiences from other crop/pest systems, Bt maize in se can provide area‐wide pest management and thus, contribute to a progressive phase‐down of chemical pesticide use. Hence, when consciously paired with agroecological and biodiversity‐based measures, GM insecticidal crops can ensure food and nutrition security, contribute to the sustainable intensification of China's agriculture and reduce food systems' environmental footprint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the problem of pth moment exponential stability analysis is considered for stochastic delayed hybrid systems with Lévy noise. By the technique of stochastic analysis as well as M-matrix theories, we propose some sufficient conditions to guarantee the exponential stability of the system. The criterion of mean square exponential stability for delayed neural networks with Lévy noise is derived as well. A numerical example is provided to show the usefulness of the proposed exponential stability criterion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem ofpth moment asymptotic stability analysis is considered for stochastic delayed hybrid systems with Lévy noise. By virtue of Itô’s formula and M-matrix theories, we propose some sufficient conditions to guarantee the asymptotic stability and exponential stability of the system. The criterion of mean square asymptotic stability is derived as well for delayed neural networks with Lévy noise. A numerical example is provided to show the usefulness of the proposed asymptotic stability criterion. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this brief, the problem of almost surely exponential stability analysis is considered for neural networks with Lévy noise and Markovian switching. The switching parameters are generated from a continuous-time irreducible Markov chain taking value in a finite-state space. The purpose of the problem addressed is to derive a sufficient condition such that the dynamics of the neural network is almost surely exponentially stable. By generalized Itô׳s formula, strong law of large numbers for martingales and ergodicity of Markov chain, the stochastic analysis approach is developed to establish the desired condition which depends only on the stationary distribution of the Markov chain and some constants. Two numerical examples are given to verify the usefulness of the stability condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiative sky cooling has been extensively studied as a passive cooling technology with the advantages of no-pollution and great energy-saving potential. The development of high-performance radiative cooling materials has always been a significant area of interest. Over the past few years, porous radiative cooling films via electrospinning have been widely studied around the world due to their great machinability, maturity, low cost and high cooling performance. In this review, the advances in porous radiative cooling films based on electrospinning are summarized from the aspects of material selection, structure design, cooling performance and application scenarios. The principles of material selection are provided for the development of high-performance radiative cooling films. Subsequently, the radiative cooler design and the corresponding cooling performance are further summarized to highlight the superiority of the electrospinning method. Furthermore, the applications of electrospinning-based coolers in personal thermal management, space cooling and ice/food preservation are discussed to reveal their significant application potential. Additionally, the challenges and prospects of electrospinning-based radiative coolers are further discussed with the aim of advancing the large-scale application of radiative cooling technology. This study is helpful to provide guidance for the design and application of radiative coolers based on electrospinning, as well as promote the commercialization of radiative cooling technology. • The design principles for radiative cooling films with electrospinning are provided. • The cooling performances of electrospinning-based cooling films are reviewed. • Promising applications of electrospinning-based cooling films are discussed. • The challenges and prospects of electrospinning-based cooling films are presented. Short summary. A critical review on material selection, structural design, cooling performance, and application scenarios of radiative cooling films based on electrospinning to promote the large-scale application of radiative cooling technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Resveratrol (Res), a phytoalexin, has been widely reported to participate in plant resistance to fungal infections. However, little information is available on its role in abiotic stress, especially in iron deficiency stress. Malus baccata is widely used as apple rootstock in China, but it is sensitive to iron deficiency. Results: In this study, we investigated the role of exogenous Res in M. baccata seedings under iron deficiency stress. Results showed that applying 100 μM exogenous Res could alleviate iron deficiency stress. The seedlings treated with Res had a lower etiolation rate and higher chlorophyll content and photosynthetic rate compared with the apple seedlings without Res treatment. Exogenous Res increased the iron content in the roots and leaves by inducing the expression of MbAHA genes and improving the H+-ATPase activity. As a result, the rhizosphere pH decreased, iron solubility increased, the expression of MbFRO2 and MbIRT1 was induced, and the ferric-chelated reductase activity was enhanced to absorb large amounts of Fe2+ into the root cells under iron deficiency conditions. Moreover, exogenous Res application increased the contents of IAA, ABA, and GA3 and decreased the contents of DHZR and BL for responding to iron deficiency stress indirectly. In addition, Res functioned as an antioxidant that strengthened the activities of antioxidant enzymes and thus eliminated reactive oxygen species production induced by iron deficiency stress. Conclusion: Resveratrol improves the iron deficiency adaptation of M. baccata seedlings mainly by regulating iron absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata (Walker) is a serious pest of agriculture that does particular damage to Gramineae crops in Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Metamorphosis is a key developmental stage in insects, although the genes underlying the metamorphic transition in M. separata remain largely unknown. Here, we sequenced the transcriptomes of five stages; mature larvae (ML), wandering (W), and pupation (1, 5, and 10 days after pupation, designated P1, P5, and P10) to identify transition-associated genes. Four libraries were generated, with 22,884, 23,534, 26,643, and 33,238 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for the ML-vs-W, W-vs-P1, P1-vs-P5, and P5-vs-P10, respectively. Gene ontology enrichment analysis of DEGs showed that genes regulating the biosynthesis of the membrane and integral components of the membrane, which includes the cuticular protein (CP), 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), and juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthesis, were enriched. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis indicated that DEGs were enriched in the metabolic pathways. Of these DEGs, thirty CP, seventeen 20E, and seven JH genes were differentially expressed across the developmental stages. For transcriptome validation, ten CP, 20E, and JH-related genes were selected and verified by real-time PCR quantitative. Collectively, our results provided a basis for further studies of the molecular mechanism of metamorphosis in M. separata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The interaction mechanism of [DMEDAH]+ with different anions was clarified. • The stable ion pairs were obtained under SMD solvation model. • The charge transfer of [DMEDAH]+ with [4-F-PhO]-was more obvious than that with [OAc]. • The introduction of [DMEDAH]+ greatly changed the ESP distribution of [OAc]. • The essence and strength of hydrogen bonds of two kinds of DPILs were revealed. Diamino protic ionic liquids (DPILs) possess a wide application prospect in the field of gas separation and absorption. In this work, two kinds of DPILs, dimethylethylenediamine 4-fluorophenolate ([DMEDAH][4-F-PhO]) and dimethylethylenediamine acetate ([DMEDAH][OAc]) were selected to investigate the microstructure properties and interaction mechanism of [DMEDAH]+ cations with different [4-F-PhO]-/[OAc]- anions by density functional theory (DFT) method. The stable configurations were determined at B3LYP/6-311+G (d, p) level, and the effects of solvent water molecules on the structure were investigated. Based on this, the different interaction mechanisms and the structural/charges parameters were revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the application of large amounts of potash fertilizer in apple orchards leads to worsening KCl stress. Strigolactone (SL), as a novel phytohormone, reportedly participates in plant tolerance to NaCl and drought stresses. However, the underlying mechanism and the effects of exogenous SL on the KCl stress of apple seedlings remain unclear. We sprayed different concentrations of exogenous SL on Malus hupehensis Rehd. under KCl stress and measured the physiological indexes like, photosynthetic parameter, content of ROS, osmolytes and mineral element. In addition, the expressions of KCl-responding genes and SL-signaling genes were also detected and analyzed. Application of exogenous SL protected the chlorophyll and maintained the photosynthetic rate of apple seedlings under KCl stress. Exogenous SL strengthened the enzyme activities of peroxidase and catalase, thereby eliminating reactive oxygen species production induced by KCl stress, promoting the accumulation of proline, and maintaining osmotic balance. Exogenous SL expelled K+ outside of the cytoplasm and compartmentalized K+ into the vacuole, increased the contents of Na+, Mg2+, Fe2+, and Mn2+ in the cytoplasm to maintain the ion homeostasis under KCl stress. Exogenous SL can regulate photosynthesis, ROS migration and ion transport in apple seedlings to alleviate KCl stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy demand of the data center (DC) industry has accounted for 2% of the total global energy consumption, and its operating power consumption has reached 50 times that of the commercial buildings. Therefore, improving the thermal environment performance to reduce the energy cost is major trend to realize the energy savings of DC. It has become a positive measure to integrate smart technologies to improve the operating efficiency of HVAC systems, especially due to the development of informatization and intelligence. This study provides detailed overview of the dynamic thermal environment management technologies of the DCs. The requirements of thermal environment in DCs were reviewed by different levels, which are the basis of the design and operation. Accordingly, various dynamic prediction technologies were presented concerning the theoretical mechanics, the computation efficiency and the applicable circumstances. The performance of the PID, the model predictive control and the reinforcement learning in the dynamic thermal environment control of DC were analyzed. Moreover, the evaluation systems based on cooling capacity, exergy analysis and entransy analysis were introduced respectively to measure the performance of the thermal environment. By investigating the knowledge related to the "requirement, prediction, control, and evaluation" of the DC dynamic thermal environment, this study aims to provide reference and guidance for energy conservation, airflow organization and smart operation of DCs. [Display omitted] • Studies related to DC dynamic thermal environment management are reviewed. • The requirements of DC indoor environment of different countries are summarized. • Pros and cons of various prediction and control technologies are analyzed. • The evaluation system based on energy, exergy and entransy is introduced. • Systematical guidance for improving the modernized DC performance is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the effect of temperature, humidity and the concentration of ambient air pollution on the hospitalization of AECOPD. Method: Hospitalization record was obtained from Shenyang Medical Insurance Bureau, concluding patient's age, gender, income hospital time, outcome hospital; Generalized additive model was used to analyze the relationship between temperature, humidity, the concentration of ambient air pollution and the hospitalization of AECOPD. Result: The effect of ozone on admission rate in male group was higher than that in female group. Ambient air pollution had a weak influence on age≤50 group. It was found that the optimal lag day for daily relative 40 humidity to age≤50 group, 5070 group was on lag5, lag4, lag4 and lag5, respectively. Conclusion: Air pollution, relative humidity and temperature can increase the risk of admission for acute exacerbation of COPD, and in this process there was a lag effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Definition and indicators of the local hotspots are clarified. • The main problems of weak airflow distribution are deeply analyzed. • Thermal management technologies are summarized by different scales for guidance. • Current limitations and future trend of hotspots elimination methods are discussed. The data centers consume a significant amount of energy, with cooling demand accounting for roughly 40% of the total energy usage. The primary reason for this is the presence of the local hotspots. To eliminate these hotspots, the standard approach is to lower the set point temperature of the whole computer room air conditioner (CRAC), resulting in overcooling and energy waste. This study provides an overview of the recent research on local hotspot management strategies, with a focus on the overheated servers as the most likely location of hotspots. To quantify the hotspots, this study provides a clear definition and summarizes the indicators from different aspects. It analyzes the correlation between the inlet and outlet air temperature and the overheating issues, which is often caused by high server loads or poor airflow distribution. And the most fundamental manifestation of the hotspots is hot air recirculation. This study analyzes potential solutions, such as optimizing airflow distribution and shortening the cold airflow path through design, control, and application. Additionally, the study discusses the limitations of the recent hotspots elimination research and proposes future perspectives. The aim of this review is to provide helpful knowledge on local hotspot elimination in the data centers, with consideration for integrated thermal and airflow distribution management strategies. The conclusion may assist in designing, operating, and retrofitting energy-efficient data centers in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Rubber farming expansion in Xishuangbanna, in the Upper Mekong region of Southwest China, has resulted in profound land use change and led to the severe degradation of the local environment. This study explores the dynamics of land use change as a result of the rubber boom, examines the factors influencing the heterogeneity in farmers' land allocations for rubber farming, and assesses the implications of this change for the local environment in terms of carbon balances. The analyses use a comprehensive household survey data set of 612 smallholder rubber farmers in Xishuangbanna. The historical data illustrate the trajectory of rubber expansion and land use change over the past three decades. The model of smallholder land allocation for rubber farming suggests its determinants include ethnicity, experience in rubber farming, household wealth, elevation, and several explanatory variables at the village level. A net loss in carbon stocks at the aggregate level was found due to the expansion of rubber plantations. The rubber farming expansion of smallholders outside the natural reserves in Xishuangbanna has led to a carbon loss of approximately 21 Mg/ha/year over the past three decades. The findings complement discussions on the future of the rubber-based land use system and its sustainability in Xishuangbanna and other rubber-growing areas in the Mekong region. Highlights • A household survey data from 612 smallholder rubber farmers in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Southwest China; • Rubber expansion has caused extensive land use change and deforestation; • Land allocation for rubber farming is associated with household characteristics and the policy and project variables; • Rubber expansion outside the natural reserves in Xishuangbanna has led to carbon losses over the past three decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The potential of reducing fuel consumption, harmful emission and cost benefit for plug-in electric hybrid buses depended largely on the power management strategy for specific hybrid electric powertrain configuration, especially for those with compound energy storage system. Hybrid energy storage system in this research comprise high energy lithium iron phosphate batteries and super-capacitors, therefore, the key of improving the life cycle cost-benefit is to extend the cycle life for lithium battery. This paper presents an optimal control strategy for the serial-parallel plug-in hybrid electric buses based on the lithium battery degradation model to minimize life cycle operating cost. To derive the globally optimal strategy, an algorithm based on two-dimensional Pontryagin's minimum principle is proposed. With the optimal strategy, the battery degradation is significantly reduced, and the total cost is reduced by 21.7% compared with a plug-in hybrid electric bus with single type energy storage. Further embodies the advantages of hybrid energy storage systems and optimization algorithms. Highlights • The plug-in hybrid electric bus powertrain with HESS consist of lithium battery and super-capacitor. • A dynamic simulation model of battery capacity degradation for HESS is established. • A 2-dimension PMP algorithm is proposed for HESS power management strategy. • The proposed optimal strategy of HESS reduces battery degradation significantly. • The lithium battery degradation and life-cycle cost are simultaneously minimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the spatial variability of soil resources in rapidly changing landscapes, such as rubber expansion areas in mountainous South East Asia, landscape based soil organic carbon (SOC) stock assessments need new approaches to obtain cost effective high-resolution soil maps. 3D modelling presents the opportunity to model changes of soil properties with soil depth and in space in one single model. While most 3D models make use of spatial autocorrelation to create soil maps, it might be feasible for upscaling to neglect the spatial autocorrelation and only model autocorrelation within the soil profiles. We propose a “mixed model over continuous depth” (MMCD), which uses a linear and quadratic term to model changes of soil properties with depth and predicts the spatial distribution of soil properties at the landscape level. As the study area of 43 km 2 in South West China was subject to multiple constraints such as sparse road networks, steep terrain, and poor infrastructure, we applied the cost-constrained conditioned Latin hypercube sampling (CCLHS) scheme for soil sampling at 120 locations to a depth of 1 m. The MMCD provides information on the most important drivers of selected soil properties, and their relative importance. In this study, SOC was strongly linked to an interaction of elevation with mean horizon depth (p < 0.001) and to the land use type (p < 0.001). An iterative leave-one-third-out evaluation was performed to compare the MMCD to several established 2D and 3D mapping approaches. The MMCD proofed to be as powerful as these established techniques, with an overall modelling efficiency (EF) of 0.72. All tested models had a strong decrease of accuracy with depth, from an EF of about 0.8 in the topsoil to 0.2 at 0.8 to 1 m subsoil depth. The MMCD was further used to model highly unbalanced SOC density data with 120 independent topsoil observations and only 11 locations with subsoil observations (EF of 0.75), where the computed prediction intervals (95%) accurately covered the range of legacy measurements. Our approach allowed upscaling of SOC density predictions to the surrounding larger nature reserve of 270 km 2 . The resulting MMCD and 3D maps revealed that on average, 15 and 10% of SOC stocks are expected in the 0.6 to 0.8 m and 0.8 to 1 m soil depth intervals, respectively. The combination of CCLHS and MMCD is particularly suitable for mountainous subtropical areas with poor road networks. However, this approach requires a strong relationship of the soil property of interest with explanatory environmental covariates, as it does not consider spatial autocorrelation for soil mapping. The advantage of this restriction is that it is easy to apply to highly unbalanced datasets and easy to upscale, given that the environmental covariates in the surrounding area are similar to the calibration area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to estimate water use, water requirements and carbon sequestration of tropical plantation systems such as rubber it is adamant to have accurate information on leaf area development of the plantation as the main determinant of evapotranspiration. Literature commonly suggests a number of different methods on how to obtain leaf area index (LAI) information from tree plantation systems. Methods include destructive measurements of leaf area at peak LAI, indirect methods such as gap fraction methods (i.e. Hemiview and LAI 2000) and radiation interception methods (i.e. SunScan) or litter fall traps. Published values for peak LAI in rubber plantation differ widely and show no clear trend to be explained by management practices or the influence of local climate patterns. This study compares four methods for determining LAI of rubber plantations of different ages in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, PR China. We have tested indirect measurement techniques such as light absorption and gap fraction measurements and hemispherical image analysis against litter fall data in order to obtain insights into the reliability of these measuring techniques for the use in tropical tree plantation systems. In addition, we have included data from destructive harvesting as a comparison. The results presented here clearly showed that there was no consistent agreement between the different measurements. Site, time of the day and incoming radiation all had a significant effect on the results depending on the devices used. This leaves us with the conclusion that the integration of published data on LAI in rubber into broad ranging assessments is very difficult to accomplish as the accuracy of the measurements seems to be very sensitive to a number of factors. This diminishes the usefulness of literature data in estimating evapotranspiration from rubber plantations and the induced environmental effects, both on local as well as regional levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]